David Allen Runnels met his Savior face to face on August 8, 2026. Having been diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer a few short weeks ago, David remained hopeful that his sight would return. But, now, he sees Jesus!

David was born to Gail and Virginia Runnels on November 17, 1960, in New York City, NY. However, Tulsa, OK, soon became home. David was an Eagle Scout and a proud member of the Booker T. Washington Marching Hornets, where he played the trombone, and graduated in 1978.

As he grew up, David loved spending time with all of his grandparents. Following his grandpa, Grover, in his workshop, gave David the lifelong love of woodworking. As a result, he became quite a skilled craftsman and has built several beautiful pieces of custom furniture for many people through the years. Being in his wood shop brought him great joy and fulfillment. David's ability to take a simple piece of wood and have the vision to see it as something beautiful was extraordinary.

In 1985, David graduated with a Masters degree in Architecture and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Following graduate school, David worked as a commercial interiors architect for several years.

David enjoyed the creativity of architecture and appreciated the beauty of well-designed structures. He was eloquent in describing how something was "architecturally significant", which he did for anyone interested, including the Tulsa Philbrook Museum docents at one point.

Eventually his architectural skills blended with industrial property management as David moved into the next phase of his working life. He and his dad, Gail, started "Workshops 18" in 2018 and bought several industrial properties that David managed. He approached his role of "Landlord" with a servant heart as he maintained properties, as well as relationships, with his many tenants.

Through the years, David has also served on various boards, including Harvest House, Trinity Woods, and First Methodist Church Tulsa.

An architectural project of personal fulfillment was living in and beautifully restoring a 100-year-old house in St. Louis over a 12-year period. The satisfaction of having done most of the work himself gave David a tremendous sense of accomplishment.

In 1989, David married Carole Jeanne Neal and they shared life's journey for 37 years. David patiently taught Carole Jeanne how to do many house projects through the 8 years together in St. Louis, then in Tulsa for the past 29 years. They also shared a love of music and were very active in their choir at Central Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, where David used his beautiful bass voice. Previously, he was a member of the St. Louis Symphony Chorus, with a highlight of singing in Carnegie Hall in New York City.

David's joy was in his three children, Emily, Joseph, and Jack. He loved them well and faithfully supported them in their many activities.

David is predeceased by his mother and grandparents. He is survived by his 90-year-old father, Gail. He also is survived by his wife, Carole Jeanne, and their three children, Emily Ligon and husband, Bradon; Joseph Runnels; and Jack Runnels and wife, Mandy; his sister, Beth Eslick and husband, John; and brother-in-law, David Neal and wife, Laura. David also leaves more extended family and a wealth of dear friends, who have all provided tremendous love and support throughout life's journey.

David had a gentle, quiet, and humble spirit. He knew this life on earth would come to an end but he was confident in his eternal life because he knew Jesus as his Savior. David's favorite scripture was Romans 5:8, "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us".

Visitation will be Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Moore's Southlawn Funeral Home, 9350 E. 51st St., Tulsa, OK.

The Celebration of David's Life will be on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 1:30 pm at First Methodist Church, 1115 S. Boulder Ave. Tulsa, OK 74119.

David had a great appreciation for beautiful organ music. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of David may be made to the First Methodist

Church Organ Fund (1115 S. Boulder Ave. Tulsa, OK 74119). He also served on the Master Planning Committee at Trinity Woods. Donations may be made to Trinity Woods (4134 E. 31st St. Tulsa, OK 74135)